Ever since I first read Harriet the Spy in 1996 (right after seeing the movie), I’ve been obsessed with the idea of carrying a notebook with me and writing through my life. I tried the spy part for a while too, but it’s really the writing that stuck with me. I gave it a good effort, but it wasn’t until 2002 that I started keeping a regular journal and even that requires a loose definition of regular.
There’s always this tension between living your life and reflecting on your life so that you can write about it. There’s no doubt that my life has leaned more toward introspection than action, but I always think of 18th century English writers who I picture (however accurately) doing nothing but walking around ponds and writing and talking to the same people all the time. It’s a wonder they had anything to say.
I live a small life too, even if I lack the leisure time of English poets. Sometimes I do fight against the boundaries of my small life, but I unconsciously work to keep them in place and keep myself insulated from all the crazy going on out there. It’s strange to realize how much this works for me as a writer, because I very rarely lack words or ideas to put to paper.
More and more all the time, though, I feel the pull to experience new things, especially new places, and it’s a comfort to know that writing will be with me there too. It’s a part of my life, no matter what I do.
But of course, I have left out the most important thing about keeping a notebook with you always and writing at every opportunity. That’s that you’re a secret genius who the world will only appreciate when you’re gone. No, but I am inspired by Da Vinci-type notebooks, even if my own writing is sufficiently less mature and includes characters such as Adorable Boy instead of the Vitruvian Man. I’ll let people assume what they will.
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I ALWAYS carry a notebook around with me! Usually it’s to jot down ideas for blog posts but sometimes story ideas and good quotes, too :) It was also the first piece of advice my writing professor gave us!
Totally replaced Michelle Trachtenberg with you as Harriet. Yeah, you should’ve been the star of that movie.
There were, and still are, many introspective English artist types. But then there were also such like as the Romantic poets, who definitely enjoyed a lot of sex and drugs and rock and roll. I suppose my point is that you should do whatever works for you, which you seem to be managing.
I always wanted to keep a diary/notepad, but could never stick with it. Thanks to technology I now have the blog as my diary and the “notepad” on my phone to jot down any thoughts. It may not be classic, but it’s better than nothing!
I usually have a notebook with me, but unfortunately the only creative thing I use it for is to-do lists. I jot down quick ideas, but nothing profound.
I also confess my love for Harriet the Spy. I tried to be here after I read the book. I wandered around writing notes about my neighbors. Then my mom informed me that was creepy so I stopped. I gotta say – that movie inspired me to write!
As someone who lives a small life and is really introspective I really appreciate this post. I always have a notebook or journal with me as well its almost as if its a part of myself. Its something that a teacher told me to do ages ago, I’ve always held tight to that big of advice.
(I tried being a spy once too.) =)
I definitely think that just because you lead a “small life” (that’s such an interesting term, I’m a little hazy on what it means. It reminds me of something said in You’ve Got Mail)(Yes, I just admitted to watching and knowing You’ve Got Mail) that the notebook and the rigor or notice that goes with watching it is out of context. The best writers, in my reading at least, illuminate those things and show the drama and power that exists in the everyday and the “small.” So I say keep going and bring that notebook with you wherever you go!
I always have a Moleskin with me but it tends to get lost in my purse between bills and receipts. My friend rides the bus everyday and takes pretty awesome notes and reflections. I’m a little jealous of the how he does it. And I totally tried to be a spy after seeing/reading Harriet the Spy, but my neighbors were boring.